A 30-year-old American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, while a yellow weather warning for severe thunderstorms was in effect in the Catania area.
The tourist reportedly entered a restricted area of the volcano to observe its lava flow up close when he was hit by lightning. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, responded but were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.
Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, has been erupting since July, ejecting significant clouds of volcanic ash. Visitors are advised to maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from the lava. The ongoing volcanic activity has caused hundreds of flight cancellations and reroutes in the past week, impacting operations at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.
The region has also been experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius. Sicily has been battling numerous wildfires, with over 40 blazes reported, including a large fire in Bivona that threatened homes and a marble processing plant. Other areas, such as Agrigento province, have also seen significant wildfires, leading to the deployment of firefighting aircraft and teams. Approximately 150 hectares of land have been scorched, and 10 households, comprising 200 residents, have been evacuated.
Experts have warned that parts of southern Europe could see temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius this summer.